How do you translate art... it doesn't really work. Everything revolves around the expression of a feeling. Every picture is a story, waiting to be told.

I try to bring people with talent out of the shadows, people with passion and enthusiasm are simply fantastic.

 

In the year 1978 I was 12 and got my first camera. I used that Kodak Instamatic 133 continuously. The virus of photography bit me deep. Somewhere during the year 1981 I got my first Nikon FE. I learned the basics with it. With the years came better lenses and cameras. Everything was very expensive for me. The years go by and thousands of pictures later, I finally started to build up experience. Also with luck and help from professionals, I was able to progress and get a taste of the 6 x 6 format, technical camera etc.... Over those 20 years I took pictures of animals, landscapes, macro, .... Also publicity photos and illustrations for starred restaurants and finally, street and portraits. The love for black and white grabbed me and I remained rebellious all the time. I was always looking for different, better, the hunt for perfection was forever on. The interaction with different people continued to fascinate me. An indescribable gift when someone opens up or reveals an emotion. Capturing the exact moment and making that same person happy with a photo full of feeling. 

 

Today some 40 years later, I saw much in the world change, even the emotions in people. My vision about this art only became more intense. I had the opportunity to photograph in many countries. A long road, which was not always easy. I categorical refuse Photoshop, my old school is still the best. I see the picture before I take it, that's how it should be. I don't change anything about the result, it has to be pure. Until the last picture I can take, it will stay that way. As a stubborn man, I will continue my journey and in 20 years I will tell you my final goal.

My name is Eric Willaert.
e-mail: aperture4art@gmail.com